Unmarried partners are not able to enter the UK with a visitor or tourist visa. However, there are other ways for them to come and live with their British partners in the UK.
Applying for a visa to enter the UK as the unmarried partner of a British citizen or permanent resident can be time-consuming, confusing and even stressful. The good news is that you have nothing to worry about, we are here to help! In fact, since 2004, our expert immigration lawyers have been helping people just like you obtain their visas in a fast, reliable and professional manner.
The rules have changed for unmarried partners since June 2014, so this is a summary of the new rules and how to apply, with full details at the bottom.
The Unmarried Partner visa (also known as the UK defacto visa) allows the unmarried partner to enter or remain in the UK on the basis that they are in a relationship with a person who is present and ‘settled in the UK’. ‘Settled in the UK’ means that you are ordinarily resident in the UK with no immigration restrictions on the length of your stay.
The Unmarried Partner visa applies to both heterosexual and same sex relationships provided that you can prove that your relationship is subsisting and has been in existence for two or more years.